New Tama Library Director Kris Collins changes things up, and starts new programs. PHOTO BY MICHAEL BOOKMARK DAVIS

TAMA – Usually, when one retires, they lay back, put their feet up, and watch way too much daytime television, but Kris Collins took a different path. In fact, Collins wasn’t even fully retired before she had her new career all lined up. After several years of being STC Elementary’s Assistant Principal, Kris Collins is the new Tama Public Library director.

“It happened to come along at a great time and this is right up my alley for personal interests as well as still feeling I can serve the public in a new way. I will surely miss the staff and especially the students at school, but I hope to still see many of them at the library now,” she said. “Getting to work in this capacity allows me to continue in my efforts to support a highly literate community, which leads to a more progressive and productive place to live and grow for everyone and not just a select group. It’s what I love about public schools and it is what I love about public libraries in the community.”

As a kid, Collins reportedly always had her nose in a book, never missing a moment to explore the worlds that lie within the confines of a story. Now, as an adult, little has changed: reading remains her favorite way to relax, even if she is teased here and there by her family for the size of her personal library, which is filled with everything from historical fiction to spy novels.

“As an educator, I spent a lot of time helping struggling readers as a Title I teacher, and later as a 5th grade teacher, bringing high quality literacy instruction to students,” she said. “In administration, literacy is the one thing we focused the most on when setting student achievement goals for STC. There are many ways to make reading attractive and fun, as I know it is not everyone’s favorite pastime. I hope we can do that through the activities and events we promote at the library in the coming months.” .

Collins brings with her a slew of new ideas for the library, the first of which is to keep the library open for more hours a week. The change in hours are Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. But this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to changes to the library.

“We also want to offer programming opportunities for ALL ages. This month we will begin offering: Seniors (55+) Coffee Break Tuesdays 10-11 a.m., and Cards on Fridays 1-3 p.m. Adults Puzzle Nights each Tuesday 5-6 p.m. Parent/Tots (0-5) Move It, Move It Wednesdays 11 a.m.-12 p.m., and Storytime Fridays 11 a.m.-12 p.m. And once school begins we will be hosting afterschool programming for kids Monday through Thursday,” she said.

Some new events have already been hosted at the library including the silent book club, but many more are in the works.

“We will also have a Cartooning Workshop for School Age kids and especially Tweens. Do Art Productions will put on the 2 hour workshop on Sept. 10 at 4:00 pm. Hope to see a lot more of the Tama community finding their way to the library,” Collins said.

As Collins starts her work at the Tama Public Library creating programs, events, and organizing books, she hopes to help to create a place where all are welcome.

“I look forward to continuing to build the capacity for a safe, free place that anyone in the community can come into and all can have access to opportunities to explore, be curious, and connect with each other. Come on on or come on back to the library and see what there is for you to enjoy,” Collins said.

So, whether you want a book, a movie, to do a puzzle, attend an event, or just want to say hey to the new director, stop on down to the Tama Public Library. They may have a new program that’s just up your alley.

And if they don’t, wait a while — Director Kris Collins is just getting started.